Introduction to Playtime by the Bridge

As we look forward to the I Heart Kirribilli art exhibition and all the brilliant opportunities it will give us to connect with our community, let me tell you about another opportunity that exists every week during term time! 

Playtime by the Bridge is a playgroup for children who aren’t yet at school and their carers. Playtime started in May 2008 with 8 parents and their children, but now regularly has up to 30 adults and 35 children coming along. It’s a mixture of mums and dads, grandparents, nannies, volunteers from church and of course lots of children! Those who come to Playtime talk about it as a wonderful community service to Kirribilli, and enjoy the fun and friendship on offer. Particularly for parents who have recently moved here from overseas, the opportunity to meet new people is greatly appreciated.  

Playtime runs from 9:30-11:30am every Thursday of school term. The morning starts with an hour of free play, with the option of craft for the older children. Once the toys have been packed away, the children sit down and eat morning tea together. Following morning tea is a time of singing, with a bible story in the middle. This term we’ve been hearing stories of some ‘rescuers’ in the Bible, and waiting to hear the story of the one who is God’s rescuer for the whole world.  

Kate Jones from our 9:45 congregation does a great job heading up the Playtime team of about six women. That core team does the work of setting up toys, collecting registration money, leading the singing and story time and packing up at the end of the morning. Parents and carers volunteer to provide morning tea for the children and adults.  

In the time I’ve been involved in Playtime, I’ve become more and more convinced of the importance of this ministry. Playtime provides some amazing opportunities for relationships and Christian witness. There’s time to talk with the other adults, opportunities for friendship and for sharing faith. But that’s not all Playtime is about. We have the privilege of introducing children to Jesus and telling them stories about him. Its become a Christmas tradition to give each child a gift of a toy and a Christian children’s book. Last year we gave out a book that explained the story of Jesus’ birth. One of the Mums commented on how glad she was to finally own a book which talked about Jesus at Christmas! 

Playtime is always looking for more volunteers. Whether you have children or not, we would love your help – be it on a regular basis or just for a week or two each term. We would also love your prayers for Playtime. Please give thanks for what God is already doing in people’s lives. Please pray for the continued safety of the children, for deepening friendships, for conversations that lead to the gospel and for each child to know Jesus and trust him.  

With love in Christ,
Stephanie Menear